Two weeks ago, I sent a package to the USA and discovered something new on the address form that I have to fill in. I HAD to include the phone numbers of both myself (sender) and the receiver. It was printed in red, and therefore difficult to miss. I did not have the phone number and the lady working in our local post office said that the rule was new, but she chose not to fill in either numbers, and the packages still arrived.

I gave my phone number kind of reluctantly (I always try to follow the rules, but this one kind of scared me), but was unable to give the USA number. I did not like it at all, and it sort of frightens me. If they really make this a general rule, and refuse packages without both phone numbers, swapping will become extra difficult. Giving out my address is one thing, but a phone number?

Is this really new for Belgium, or is our little counrtry following general rules? And how would you feel about this?

I have seen this on some forms. I'm in Canada. I have also never filled in my number. Or a receiving number. I suppose it would be different filling those out if it was a package to family or friends. But...

Can't you always just make up a number? Or is that a federal mail tampering offense? Hmmm. Blank it is.

Ditto in Canada - they have slots for the phone numbers on all the forms ever since I have shipped and I have seldom filled them out and packages were delivered without mishap mostly. It may be an extra precaution in case there are complications with delivery (or in case someone is trying to ship some contraband too, and the authorities want to speak with them).

I have never seen this here in the US but now I'm worried it will become a thing. I don't want it to! Swapping items with random strangers is one thing but phone numbers? No thanks! Sure, they may tack the whole "it's for your safety thing" onto it but I doubt that's all that would come of it. (I have trust issues.)

I did do a personal swap with Bunny1Kenobi one time and Left my contact info on the hand spun yarn I sent her (pulled from my stock that I sell at the market) and a couple days later I started getting texts saying "Thanks for the yarn!" and stuff. It freaked me out at first until I figured out who it was. I don't mind Bunny having my phone number, I consider her a real C-ster friend and we even happen to be the same religion, but now I am more careful when sending my yarn.